Pruritus s a very distressing problem affecting patients with uremia and the prevalence of uremic pruritus (UP) ranges between 22% to 66%. Although some studies suggested pruritus is being decreased recently by use of better dialysis techniques, accumulating studies have shown the still high prevalence of UP. Because of its long duration, frequency and high intensity, UP has been reported to have a negative impact upon the patients' quality of life (QoL). However, the therapies in use, including antihistamines, ultraviolets, opioid antagonists and topical agents, are generally of insufficient efficacy, failing to provide adequate and long-lasting relief. Based on the neuropathic hypothesis and frequent co-occurrence of chronic pruritus and peripheral neuropathy in the patients undergoing hemodialysis, gabapentin, a medication widely used for a spectrum of neuropathic pain syndromes, has recently been suggested to be effective in the treatment of UP.